TALKS BY SWAMI SARADANANDA

Yoga Philosophy

If you run a yoga centre or studio - or are part of a group who is interested in philosophy classes, Swami Saradananda can arrange a programme(s) to suit your needs. Click here to contact her.

When you approach the teachings of yoga in the spirit of right inquiry (vichara), at the right time, you make it possible for a deep and long-lasting change to take place within your being. Yoga is based on direct, personal and living experience, and its study involves:

S’ravana: hearing/ reading the teachings

Manana: thinking over what you have heard/ read

Dhyana: meditation on the teachings

Suggestioned topics for talks or series:

Introduction to Indian scriptures and philosophical systems

What is yoga? An introduction to the categories of Indian scriptures, the Vedas, the six classical schools of Indian philosophy and the five main paths of yoga - and historical timeline is included.

Introduction to Meditation

What is meditation? How to start or deepen your meditation practice; the nature and function of the mind; the four states of consciousness.

Is there more to life than just the physical body?

This class introduces the yoga concepts of the three bodies and five sheaths; what the bodies and sheaths consist of, when are they present and active, their experiences, and how to purify them. This is an essential class if you are thinking to go deeply into your yoga practice; it is especially designed for yoga teachers and teacher trainees.

Chakras 1: Prana, Nadis and Chakras

The subtle energy, 72,000 psychic channels through which the prana moves and the energetic centres within the astral body. You will be introduced to the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, as well as to the vital energy centres that are known as “the chakras”.

Chakras 2: Introduction to Chakra Meditation

Chakra meditations are simple, yet powerful techniques for helping you to develop inner poise and keep your life in balance. How smoothly your chakras function influences how fully you inhabit your physical body, the success of your relationships, and how much inner peace you are able to enjoy. With regular practise these meditations can help you to tap into your vast potential reservoir of psycho-spiritual energy. This workshop includes exercises aimed at helping you to eliminate the negative emotional behaviour associated with each
of the chakras.

Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important texts of yoga. It teaches the way to live a spiritual life in the midst of life's daily stress, conflicts and problems. This introductory workshop includes the background of the Gita as well as a survey of its basic concepts.

Introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is the classic guide for the advanced practice of hatha yoga

Brahman, Maya and the 3 Gunas

You will be introduced to the yogic concepts of the Universal Self and the individual self; Illusion and ignorance; the powers of Maya and Her qualities. The workshop will include a look at the “Qualities of Nature” in relation to diet and lifestyle. These are essential concepts for anyone looking to go more deeply into yoga practice – it is especially designed for yoga teachers and teacher trainees.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutra

In his landmark scripture on classical yoga, Patanjali approaches eternal psychological, philosophical and spiritual questions. Workshop(s) look at the 'Eight Limbs of Yoga'. Further workshops may be organised focusing on the Chitta Prasadhana (Brahma viharis) – the four “vehicles” for attaining enlightenment and inner peace.

Myths and Other Teaching Stories of Yoga

I particularly enjoy teaching this workshop (or series). It combines storytelling and analysis, focusing on some of the core myths of yoga that can assist you in obtaining a deeper understanding of your yoga practice.